Julie Massé, L'Occitane perfumer

From her first steps in the garden of the family home in Grasse, Julie has loved beautiful fragrances, particularly those of the Mediterranean. This love has led her to blend intoxicating and precious essences for some of the best-known companies, including L'Occitane en Provence. Meeting.

A bold woman

What natural gift would you most like to have?

To be reborn each season. Just like in nature, when new flowers bloom every spring.

Your motto?

When I was little, my primary school teacher wrote on the chalkboard, "Where there's a will, there's a way". My eyes were glued to that motto all year long and I never forgot it. Since then, I often think about it and say it, too. It's very positive: when you have goals in life, you have to give your all to achieve them.

Your favourite time of the day?

Evening. After a full day, I love to go to bed with fresh sheets. It's the time when I can just let go.

A Mediterranean at heart

What's your favourite Provençal dish?

My mother makes a vegetable tian to die for. She puts caramelised onions in the bottom of the dish and then tightly-packed slices of aubergines and peppers, seasoned with just olive oil, salt and pepper. Then it's baked a for a long time at a low temperature. It's heavenly.

What is a typical regional gift you might give to a friend from another country?

Orange flower water fougassettes from Venturini's in Grasse, or a bouquet of everlasting flowers and lavender from my parents' garden.

The aspect of Provence you miss most when you are abroad?

The azure sky.

The smell that you associate with Provence?

The fragrance of cistus that you can smell while walking in the garrigue.

A born perfumer

If Provence were a perfume, what would it be?

First, a blend of grape leaves as a memory of my grandfather's vineyard, and bitter orange like the ones that grow in my garden. Crisp citrus notes that connect around a centre dominated by iconic lavender, orange flower, which is my favourite, and cypress. At its base, pure cistus, musk and honey for an addictive touch, because from the moment you set foot in Provence, all you want to do is come back.

Your trick for finding inspiration?

It can come from anywhere: a personal experience, an encounter, a trip, a painting, a meal... To be inspired, you have to pay attention to nature and to the beautiful people you meet.

What do you love about your work?

The basic materials. I wanted to play with the gifts nature has given us, to try to find new connections and olfactory forms.

To extend the summer, what better than to treat yourself to a special shared moment enjoying an appetizer with Provencal flavours? L'Occitane reveals some authentic regional recipes for finger food that your friends and family will love.

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Originally from Montreal, Ashley Tinker came to settle in the Alpilles with her partner, Robin. In her blog, "Curious Provence", she lists her top choices, recommended places to visit and local products, all unearthed during her outings. This curious foodie had no hesitation in knocking on our door and sharing her vision of the region with us. From Provence with love, have a read!

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Elected Female Architect of the Year in 2015, Corinne Vezzoni invited us into her office, located on the 6th floor of Le Corbusier's Cité Radieuse. Refreshingly open, and calling herself "a chameleon architect," she tells her own story through her buildings. Meeting.